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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Video: Spiritual Care: VA Chaplains – Service Beyond Religious Roles

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Welcome to our special tribute to the VA Chaplains who serve Veterans, their caregivers, and their families across the nation. In honor of Spiritual Care Week, we’re shining a spotlight on the diverse roles chaplains play within the VA system – roles that extend far beyond the traditional image of religious service.

    Chaplains at the VA are much more than spiritual advisors. They are compassionate guides, supporting Veterans and their families through some of the most challenging moments in life. From crisis intervention and mental health support to assisting caregivers and providing grief care, our chaplains walk beside Veterans every step of the way. They offer help in unexpected ways – whether it’s a listening ear, connecting Veterans with essential services, or simply being a comforting presence in times of need.

    In this video, you’ll hear from VA leadership and chaplains as they share their personal experiences, showcasing how they integrate spiritual care into whole-person health. They support not only Veterans, but also VA employees, offering emotional and spiritual well-being in both times of crisis and everyday life.

    Who is this for?

    If you’re a Veteran, caregiver, survivor, or part of the VA team, this video is for you. Whether you’ve worked with a VA chaplain before or are learning about their roles for the first time, we hope this video inspires you to see how spiritual care plays a vital role in your journey of healing and support.

    Chaplains featured in this video include:

    Deb O’Neill Lewis: Offering holistic support, from helping Veterans navigate VA facilities to providing emotional and practical care.
    Mohammed M. Hossain: Serving Veterans of all faiths and backgrounds, embodying service to humanity beyond religious lines.
    Carol Ramsey Lucas: Guiding Veterans through spiritual recovery, addressing grief, moral injury, and supporting PTSD groups.
    Dallas Jones: Drawing from personal health experiences to offer empathy and understanding to Veterans and their families.
    Cindy Wallace: Integrating mind, body, and spirit to help Veterans find meaning and hope in their lives.
    Jonathan Morse: Promoting spiritual growth, helping Veterans navigate life’s challenges across all faiths.
    Kyle Gildner: Using creative expression like music to help Veterans rediscover their purpose and heal from trauma.
    Lacyndra Purdy: Supporting caregivers and staff through compassion and education.
    Kimberly Willis, Executive Director, VA National Chaplain Service: Leading the VA’s spiritual care efforts, especially in critical moments of grief, crisis, and moral injury.

    Special Messages from:
    Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs
    Dr. Shereef Elnahal, Under Secretary for Health

    Join us in celebrating our VA Chaplains who provide “Service Beyond Religious Roles” and are truly at the heart of whole-person care within the VA.

    Watch now to learn more about the invaluable work of VA Chaplains and their service to Veterans, families, and caregivers.

    #VAChaplains #SpiritualCareWeek #ServiceBeyondReligiousRoles #VeteranSupport #Caregivers #VAEmployees #WholeHealth #HealingJourney

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92DGa8xrGIY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Deputy Administrator Coleman at the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) Session

    Source: USAID

    DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR ISOBEL COLEMAN: First, I want to thank the Italian Presidency for its strong focus on the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment over the past year.

    I want to commend our collective efforts to make PGI an initiative built to last. The standing Secretariat sets PGI up for longevity and success, and we expect that PGI will remain an on-going G7 priority across multiple presidencies. The United States has marshaled multiple agencies, including USAID, the Department of State, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the U.S. Export-Import Bank, from across the U.S. government to support our contributions.

    Over the last four years, we’ve witnessed significant progress. Notably, the U.S. announced our support for three important economic corridors, Lobito in Southern Africa, Luzon in the Philippines, and the Trans-Caspian in Central Asia, which have received tremendous support from our G7 partners. The European Union and Italy have signed an MoU to cooperate on developing the Lobito Corridor; we are cooperating with the EU in Central Asia on the Trans-Caspian Corridor; and we are working closely with Japan on the Luzon Corridor.

    But even as we celebrate this progress, we acknowledge that there is much left to be done. The gap for infrastructure financing continues to grow; our partners in Africa and the Indo-Pacific face unsustainable debt levels; and threats like climate change, global conflict, and market instability create additional challenges to navigate.

    So, we are doubling down on our efforts. Just this year, the United States approved a loan of over $550 million from the Development Finance Corporation to support the rehabilitation of the Lobito Atlantic Railroad, building on our support earlier in 2022 to help put together the private sector consortium responsible for operating the railroad. USAID is also providing support to the Angolan Ministry of Transportation to create a full-time public-private partnership unit dedicated to helping the government partner more deeply with the private sector for infrastructure development.

    This is the comparative advantage of the PGI approach: by creating sustainable sources of financing, ones that ideally do not add to a country’s debt burden, and prioritizing supporting investments in agriculture, digital services, health, and other critical sectors, PGI is creating the conditions for the long-term success of these infrastructure investments.

    When I travel abroad – and I’m sure it’s the same when you all travel abroad – the number one request we receive from our partners is more support for trade, investment, and infrastructure. So, through PGI, we’re putting those local voices in the lead, and meeting a priority demand.

    When President Biden travels to Angola in December, the first sitting U.S. president to visit that country, the Lobito Corridor will be a focus of his historic visit. PGI is the framework through which we can collectively coordinate our investments in such strategic initiatives as these economic corridors to harness maximal benefit: for developing clean energy; expanding access to digital finance; supporting female smallholder farmers as engines of local growth; and providing the communities in the region with a full range of opportunities to benefit from the investments. Through PGI, the U.S. and G7 are not just trying to get the job done, but we’re committed to getting the job done right, with openness and transparency, in partnership with local communities, and with an eye toward building sustainable progress.

    The U.S. is pleased to be contributing to the development of critical infrastructure around the world, and we know we cannot do this work alone: we rely on the leadership and contributions of our G7 partners. We also know that to meet global needs, we must play the long game. We look forward to our continued collaboration on PGI in the years to come as we seek to advance this critical global priority.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor, Office of the Trade Representative seek review of alleged denial of labor rights at Hidalgo, Mexico, cement plant facility

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement’s Interagency Labor Committee for Monitoring and Enforcement today requested that the Mexican government review an alleged denial of workers’ rights at Odisa Equipment Services, a cement plant machinery manufacturing facility in Hidalgo, Mexico.

    The U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Trade Representative co-chair the Interagency Labor Committee.

    The request follows a Sept. 23, 2024, petition filed by a union affiliated with the Confederación Regional Obrera Mexicana, a federation of Mexican labor unions. Filed under the USMCA’s Rapid Response Labor Mechanism, or RRM, the petition alleges Odisa interfered with workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining through the intimidation and dismissal of workers for union activity. 

    “We are deeply concerned by the anti-union activity at the Odisa facility,” said Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs Thea Lee. “Such practices violate Mexican labor laws and undermine the labor protections established under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. We look forward to working closely with the government of Mexico to resolve these denials of rights.”

    The Interagency Labor Committee found sufficient and credible evidence that supports the allegations, resulting in USTR submitting the request for review using the RRM. 

    “This is another example of how the Biden-Harris administration is keeping corporations accountable and lifting up working communities by protecting workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “The United States remains committed to empowering workers through the USMCA, and we look forward to collaborating with the government of Mexico to address the ongoing denials of rights at this facility.”

    The Mexican government has 10 days to decide whether to conduct a review and 45 days to investigate the claims and present its findings. 

    A subsidiary of Odisa, which has manufactured concrete batch plants, truck mixers and material handling equipment for nearly 50 years, Odisa Equipment Services exports material handling equipment, including sheet metal and aluminum goods, to dozens of countries including the U.S. 

    Learn more about the department’s international work.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Department of Labor welcomes new Apprenticeship Ambassadors, recognizes organizations for promoting, expanding, diversifying Registered Apprenticeship

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – At a White House ceremony today, the U.S. Department of Labor welcomed the latest cohort of Apprenticeship Ambassadors and recognized current ambassadors for meeting or exceeding their commitments to expand and diversify Registered Apprenticeships. 

    With today’s addition of 138 new organizations, the department has selected 441 Apprenticeship Ambassadors since the initiative’s launch. The latest cohort includes organizations from emerging and high-growth industries, including advanced manufacturing, clean energy, education, financial services, healthcare and hospitality.

    Apprenticeship Ambassadors are helping to modernize Registered Apprenticeships by making specific commitments to sponsor promotional and training activities, conduct outreach to people from underrepresented populations, launch Registered Apprenticeship Programs and hire apprentices. To date, these organizations have held more than 10,800 promotional and outreach activities and 2,600 training sessions, established 520 Registered Apprenticeship Programs and hired more than 155,000 apprentices. Approximately 90 percent of ambassadors offer programming geared toward underrepresented groups. 

    “The Apprenticeship Ambassador initiative shows how a powerful national network can promote and expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs successfully for the benefit of workers, employers and communities nationwide,” said Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training José Javier Rodríguez. “We congratulate our Apprenticeship Ambassadors for their achievements and partnership and look forward to the continued growth of these programs with the help of our latest cohort of ambassadors.” 

    The department announced the first cohort of Apprenticeship Ambassadors on July 12, 2022, and a second cohort on May 17, 2023. In addition to their local efforts, ambassadors are actively involved with national initiatives such as National Apprenticeship Week, Youth Apprenticeship Week, Good Jobs Great Cities Academy, Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Sprint and the Apprentice Trailblazer Initiative. 

    The new cohort of organizations have committed collectively to the following actions: 

    • Develop over 500 new Registered Apprenticeship Programs and 300 resources in their first year.
    • Host over 1,200 outreach and recruitment activities, 600 trainings and 500 promotional meetings.
    • Hire more than 6,700 new apprentices.

    The department’s Office of Apprenticeship will collaborate with Apprenticeship Ambassadors to promote Registered Apprenticeship as part of the 10th Annual National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 17-23, 2024. 

    View the list of Apprenticeship Ambassadors.

    Read about the Apprenticeship Ambassador initiative and apply to become an ambassador.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California joins federal partners to enhance flood protection and wildlife habitat in Sacramento River Basin

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 23, 2024

    What you need to know: State and federal partners today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to boost cooperation on multi-benefit water projects in the Sacramento River Basin. 

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today highlighted a new agreement between state and federal partners to enhance collaboration on floodplain projects in the Sacramento River Basin that bolster flood protection and habitat for fish and wildlife.
     
    The MOU furthers state-federal coordination on the planning, design and implementation of multi-benefit floodplain projects in the Sacramento River Basin that increase flood protection, restore habitat and ecosystems, improve groundwater recharge and water supply reliability, and sustain farming and managed wetland operations. The agreement is backed by the Floodplain Forward Coalition comprised of landowners, irrigation districts, and higher education and conservation groups.

    “As California grapples with more extreme cycles of wet and dry, it’s more important than ever that we leverage our common interests to meet the needs of our communities, wildlife and economy. This state-federal partnership with support from wide-ranging stakeholders demonstrates the kind of collaborative solutions that can safeguard our communities, wildlife, businesses and water supplies in the face of climate impacts.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The MOU was signed today in Sacramento by representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, California Natural Resources Agency, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Food and Agriculture, California Department of Water Resources, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
     
    Sacramento Valley bypasses are natural overflow areas that are critical to protecting farms, cities and communities from floodwaters. The lowlands also serve as essential habitat for many fish, birds and wildlife, including Chinook salmon, that have historically relied on the basin’s floodplains for food and habitat during their migrations.
     
    More information on the MOU can be found here.

    Recent news

    Oct 23, 2024

    News What you need to know: California Highway Patrol officers conducted blitz operations this weekend, targeting sideshows that led to 22 arrests and the seizure of 36 vehicles. These actions are part of the state’s ongoing enforcement surge in the region, in…

    Oct 22, 2024

    News What you need to know: Since January 2024, California has seized more than $191 million worth of illegal cannabis, with $70.7 million worth of illegal cannabis seized in the last three months alone.  SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the…

    Oct 21, 2024

    News What you need to know: California is deploying 10,000 service members in the upcoming service year, offering paid positions and higher education financial support for young Californians looking to give back to their communities.  SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CHP recovers more than 2,000 stolen vehicles in Oakland since February

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 23, 2024

    What you need to know: California Highway Patrol officers conducted blitz operations this weekend, targeting sideshows that led to 22 arrests and the seizure of 36 vehicles. These actions are part of the state’s ongoing enforcement surge in the region, in partnership with the city, which has resulted in 1,125 arrests, and the seizure of 2,213 stolen vehicles and 110 illegal guns since February 2024. 

    OAKLAND – The California Highway Patrol cracked down on sideshows in Oakland this weekend as part of Governor Newsom’s enforcement surge to improve public safety in Alameda County and the East Bay. This week, CHP responded to and subsequently conducted investigations arising from multiple sideshows in the region, arresting 22 individuals and seizing 36 vehicles.

    Governor Newsom launched the CHP operation in February in partnership with the City of Oakland, in response to increased public safety needs in the region, including organized retail theft and sideshows. He then again quadrupled the shifts of CHP officers in Alameda County in July to provide CHP support to the city seven days per week. The most recent surge in officers has led to a 57% increase in arrests, a 44% increase in stolen vehicles recovered, and a 188% increase in guns seized compared to the previous three-month period.

    This builds on CHP’s ongoing work in the region, which has led to the arrest of 1,125 suspects, the seizure of 2,123 stolen vehicles, and the seizure of 110 illegal firearms since February.

    “California has provided robust investments to support the Oakland community by cracking down on crime and uplifting programs that help prevent it. Our recent work in Oakland should send a strong message that lawlessness and crime will not be tolerated in our state. I thank our CHP officers for their work on the ground to help make the East Bay safer for all its residents.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    According to the California Department of Justice’s most recent verified data, unlike most communities in California, crime spiked considerably in Alameda County last year. Alameda County had the highest homicide, violent crime, and property crime rates of California’s 10 largest counties in 2023. While new verified data will not be available until next year, local reporting indicates that crime appears to be going down in 2024.

     In July, Governor Newsom announced the state was ramping up efforts to crack down on crime in the East Bay by increasing the deployment of CHP officers in Oakland, quadrupling the number of CHP officer shifts over four months to help local agencies target organized crime, sideshows, carjacking, and other criminal activity seven days a week.

    In just the three months since Governor Newsom announced the deployment of additional officers to the area, CHP has made 524 arrests and seized 920 stolen vehicles, and taken 52 firearms off the street. 

    Technology to investigate illegal sideshows

    As part of this work, California installed a network of cameras on state highways, completed in September. The new cameras, announced by Governor Newsom in April, improve vehicle identification, allowing law enforcement agencies to search for vehicles suspected to be linked to crimes and receive real-time alerts about their movement. These cameras have contributed to multiple investigations of sideshows in the area, including the following operations:

    On October 20 at approximately 3:15 a.m., a CHP airplane observed a sideshow in progress at the intersection of 98th Avenue and Edes Avenue in Oakland. A vehicle was identified as a participant, and when an enforcement stop was attempted, the suspect fled from the officers. With constant aerial surveillance and assistance from cameras near the sideshow, ground units safely pursued the suspect and successfully arrested two individuals for attempting to evade law enforcement and impounded the vehicle for 30 days.

    CHP video footage of sideshow on 98th and Edes Avenue 

    CHP video footage of arrest of individual after pursuit on the Bay Bridge

    • Later that evening, at approximately 9:30 p.m., a CHP helicopter observed a sideshow in progress on West Grand Avenue under I-880 in Oakland. Spectators were shining laser lights at the law enforcement aircraft, and upon breaking up the sideshow, 14 individuals were arrested for being spectators at a sideshow and six vehicles were towed.

    Today, CHP conducted investigations into the recent sideshows, issuing a number of search warrants that will result in the seizure of additional vehicles owned by participants and spectators of the sideshows that occurred over the weekend.
     

    “The dedicated men and women of the CHP are working tirelessly to combat crime, improve public safety, and hold sideshow participants accountable for their reckless actions,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “We remain committed to ensuring the streets of Oakland are safer for everyone, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to uphold the law and protect our residents.”

    Stronger enforcement. Serious penalties. Real consequences.

    Recently, the Governor signed into law a bipartisan package of bills to impose stricter penalties, increase accountability, and strengthen law enforcement’s ability to combat sideshows and deter illegal activities such as drifting, street racing, and blocking intersections. The new laws expand vehicle impoundment authority for law enforcement, including for spectators and those aiding in illegal speed contests and sideshows, standardize terminology for “sideshows” and “street takeovers” statewide, and target reckless driving activities on highways and parking lots.

    The Governor also recently signed into law the most significant bipartisan legislation to crack down on property crime in modern California. Building on the state’s robust laws and record public safety funding, these bipartisan bills establish tough new penalties for repeat offenders, provide additional tools for felony prosecutions, and crack down on serial shoplifters, retail thieves, and auto burglars. 

    Supporting and investing in Oakland 

    In March, the Governor released Caltrans’ 10-Point Action Plan to support the city’s efforts to improve street safety and beautification. The comprehensive plan outlines actionable steps the state is taking to further support the city through blight abatement efforts, homeless encampment resolutions, community outreach initiatives, employment opportunities, and other beautification and safety efforts. A detailed overview of the state’s investments in Oakland and Alameda County is available here.

    California has invested in violence intervention and prevention efforts in the city — including through CalVIP, which provides funding for cities and community-based organizations with the goal of reducing violence in the city and adjacent areas. The state has also expanded opportunities for youth by transforming Oakland’s schools into community schools, mandating and funding after-school programs, awarding Oakland grants for youth coaches, establishing targeted college and career savings accounts, and providing tuition-free community college for students at Oakland community colleges. 

    Videos above may be attributed to the California Highway Patrol. 

    Recent news

    Oct 23, 2024

    News What you need to know: State and federal partners today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to boost cooperation on multi-benefit water projects in the Sacramento River Basin.  SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today highlighted a new agreement between…

    Oct 22, 2024

    News What you need to know: Since January 2024, California has seized more than $191 million worth of illegal cannabis, with $70.7 million worth of illegal cannabis seized in the last three months alone.  SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the…

    Oct 21, 2024

    News What you need to know: California is deploying 10,000 service members in the upcoming service year, offering paid positions and higher education financial support for young Californians looking to give back to their communities.  SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Visteon Announces Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Mich., Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Visteon Corporation (NASDAQ: VC) today reported third quarter financial results. Highlights include:

    • Sales of $980 million with Growth-over-Market of 6%1
    • Net income of $39 million and adjusted net income of $63 million
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $119 million
    • Launched 30 new products in the quarter and 71 year-to-date
    • New business wins of $4.9 billion year-to-date
    • Net cash of $229 million at quarter end

    Visteon reported solid net sales of $980 million in a challenging production environment. We delivered 6% outperformance relative to customer vehicle production, driven by strong demand for digital cockpit and electrification products. Our market outperformance was offset by lower customer production and reduced customer recoveries resulting from improved semiconductor supply.

    Gross margin in the third quarter was $131 million. Net income attributable to Visteon was $39 million or $1.40 per diluted share and adjusted net income, a non-GAAP measure defined below, was $63 million or $2.26 per diluted share. Net income, as compared to the prior year, includes the favorable impact of strong operational performance and lower net engineering, partially offset by restructuring expense incurred in the third quarter of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure defined below, was $119 million in the third quarter and reflects the Company’s strong focus on operational execution, commercial excellence, and cost discipline.

    For the first nine months, cash from operations was $224 million, capital expenditures were $96 million and adjusted free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure defined below, was $135 million. The company ended the third quarter with cash of $553 million and debt of $324 million. Our strong balance sheet, with a net cash position of $229 million, provides the flexibility to deliver on our capital allocation priorities.

    Visteon launched 30 new products in the third quarter, with launches across each of its product lines. Key third quarter launches include an infotainment display system on the Tata Punch, highlighting our continued momentum in India; SmartCore(TM) on an electric SUV for Lynk & Co for the European market and the Renault Grand Koleos hybrid for the Korean market; a digital cluster on the Nissan Qashqai, a popular SUV in Europe; and a wireless BMS for the all-electric Jeep Wagoneer.

    Visteon secured $4.9 billion in new business through the first nine months of the year, including $2.5 billion of wins with OEMs in Asia excluding China. Our success in diversifying into adjacent end-markets also continued, with further momentum with two-wheeler and commercial vehicle OEMs. Third quarter wins included a large, curved display for multiple mass market vehicles in Europe for a global OEM, SmartCore™ and display wins for a SUV model for an Indian OEM and for an electric vehicle for a domestic China OEM. We also had a follow-on win for a digital cluster with a two-wheeler OEM in India.

    “Visteon delivered solid sales and growth-over-market in the third quarter, demonstrating our ability to navigate a challenging customer production environment,” said President and CEO Sachin Lawande. “Demand from our customers remains robust for our diverse product portfolio targeting automotive megatrends of digitalization and electrification. Our continued success in securing new business wins and our momentum with two-wheeler and commercial vehicle OEMs provide a strong foundation for future growth.”

    Based on our year-to-date performance and outlook for the fourth quarter, Visteon is updating its full-year 2024 guidance and anticipates sales in the range of $3.85 – $3.90 billion, adjusted EBITDA in the range of $465 – $480 million, and adjusted free cash flow in the range of $165 – $185 million.

    About Visteon

    Visteon is advancing mobility through innovative technology solutions that enable a software-defined and electric future. With next-generation digital cockpit and electrification products, Visteon leverages the strength and agility of its global network with a local footprint to deliver a cleaner, safer and more connected vehicle experience. Headquartered in Van Buren Township, Michigan, Visteon operates in 17 countries worldwide, recorded approximately $3.95 billion in annual sales and booked $7.2 billion of new business in 2023. Learn more at investors.visteon.com/.

    Conference Call and Presentation
    Today, Thursday, October 24, at 9 a.m. ET, the company will host a conference call for the investment community to discuss the quarter’s results and other related items. The conference call is available to the general public via a live audio webcast.

    The dial-in numbers to participate in the call are:

    U.S./Canada: 1-888-330-2508
    Outside U.S./Canada: 1-240-789-2735
    Conference ID: 8897485  

    (Call approximately 10 minutes before the start of the conference.)

    The conference call and live audio webcast, related presentation materials and other supplemental information will be accessible in the Investors section of Visteon’s website.

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information

    Because not all companies use identical calculations, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, adjusted EPS, free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow used throughout this press release may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

    In order to provide the forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures for full-year 2024, the company provides reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures on the subsequent slides. The provision of these comparable GAAP financial measures is not intended to indicate that the company is explicitly or implicitly providing projections on those GAAP financial measures, and actual results for such measures are likely to vary from those presented. The reconciliations include all information reasonably available to the company at the date of this press release and the adjustments that management can reasonably predict.

    Forward-looking Information

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “will,” “may,” “designed to,” “outlook,” “believes,” “should,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “estimates,” “forecasts” and similar expressions identify certain of these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and conditions but rather are subject to various factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to:

    • continued and future impacts of the geopolitical conflicts and related supply chain disruptions, including but not limited to the conflicts in the Middle East, Russia and East Asia and the possible imposition of sanctions;
    • significant or prolonged shortage of critical components from our suppliers, including but not limited to semiconductors, and particularly those who are our sole or primary sources;
    • failure of the Company’s joint venture partners to comply with contractual obligations or to exert influence or pressure in China;
    • conditions within the automotive industry, including (i) the automotive vehicle production volumes and schedules of our customers, (ii) the financial condition of our customers and the effects of any restructuring or reorganization plans that may be undertaken by our customers, including work stoppages at our customers, and (iii) possible disruptions in the supply of commodities to us or our customers due to financial distress, work stoppages, natural disasters or civil unrest;
    • our ability to satisfy future capital and liquidity requirements; including our ability to access the credit and capital markets at the times and in the amounts needed and on terms acceptable to us; our ability to comply with financial and other covenants in our credit agreements; and the continuation of acceptable supplier payment terms;
    • our ability to access funds generated by foreign subsidiaries and joint ventures on a timely and cost-effective basis;
    • general economic conditions, including changes in interest rates and fuel prices; the timing and expenses related to internal restructurings, employee reductions, acquisitions or dispositions and the effect of pension and other post-employment benefit obligations;
    • disruptions in information technology systems including, but not limited to, system failure, cyber-attack, malicious computer software (malware including ransomware), unauthorized physical or electronic access, or other natural or man-made incidents or disasters;
    • increases in raw material and energy costs and our ability to offset or recover these costs; increases in our warranty, product liability and recall costs or the outcome of legal or regulatory proceedings to which we are or may become a party;
    • changes in laws, regulations, policies or other activities of governments, agencies and similar organizations, domestic and foreign, that may tax or otherwise increase the cost of, or otherwise affect, the manufacture, licensing, distribution, sale, ownership or use of our products or assets; and
    • those factors identified in our filings with the SEC (including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as updated by our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission).

    Caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements, which represent our view only as of the date of this release, and which we assume no obligation to update. The financial results presented herein are preliminary and unaudited; final financial results will be included in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2024. New business wins and re-wins do not represent firm orders or firm commitments from customers, but are based on various assumptions, including the timing and duration of product launches, vehicle production levels, customer price reductions and currency exchange rates.

    Follow Visteon:

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/visteon 
    https://twitter.com/visteon 
    https://www.facebook.com/VisteonCorporation 
    https://www.youtube.com/user/Visteon
    https://www.instagram.com/visteon/ 
    https://mp.weixin.qq.com/?lang=en_US 
    https://m.weibo.cn/u/6605315328 
    http://i.youku.com/u/UNDgyMjA1NjUxNg==?spm=a2h0k.8191407.0.0

    VISTEON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
    (In millions except per share amounts)
    (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   September 30,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
                   
    Net sales $ 980     $ 1,014     $ 2,927     $ 2,964  
    Cost of sales   (849 )     (871 )     (2,530 )     (2,607 )
    Gross margin   131       143       397       357  
    Selling, general and administrative expenses   (51 )     (52 )     (152 )     (156 )
    Restructuring, net   (28 )     —       (31 )     (2 )
    Interest expense, net   —       (1 )     —       (7 )
    Equity in net income (loss) of non-consolidated affiliates   (3 )     (1 )     (7 )     (8 )
    Other income (expense), net   2       3       7       (4 )
    Income (loss) before income taxes   51       92       214       180  
    Provision for income taxes   (11 )     (21 )     (55 )     (48 )
    Net income (loss)   40       71       159       132  
    Less: Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests   (1 )     (5 )     (7 )     (12 )
    Net income (loss) attributable to Visteon Corporation $ 39     $ 66     $ 152     $ 120  
                   
    Comprehensive income (loss) $ 69     $ 58     $ 153     $ 114  
    Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests   (7 )     (4 )     (10 )     (6 )
    Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Visteon Corporation $ 62     $ 54     $ 143     $ 108  
                   
    Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Visteon Corporation $ 1.41     $ 2.35     $ 5.51     $ 4.26  
                   
    Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Visteon Corporation $ 1.40     $ 2.32     $ 5.45     $ 4.20  
                   
    Average shares outstanding (in millions)              
    Basic   27.6       28.1       27.6       28.2  
    Diluted   27.9       28.5       27.9       28.6  
    VISTEON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (In millions)
     
      (Unaudited)    
      September 30,   December 31,
        2024       2023  
    ASSETS      
    Cash and equivalents $ 550     $ 515  
    Restricted cash   3       3  
    Accounts receivable, net   719       666  
    Inventories, net   321       298  
    Other current assets   109       134  
    Total current assets   1,702       1,616  
           
    Property and equipment, net   438       418  
    Intangible assets, net   157       90  
    Right-of-use assets   103       109  
    Investments in non-consolidated affiliates   27       35  
    Deferred tax assets   387       384  
    Other non-current assets   79       75  
    Total assets $ 2,893     $ 2,727  
           
    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY      
    Short-term debt $ 18     $ 18  
    Accounts payable   547       551  
    Accrued employee liabilities   98       99  
    Current lease liability   29       30  
    Other current liabilities   245       233  
    Total current liabilities   937       931  
           
    Long-term debt, net   306       318  
    Employee benefits   143       160  
    Non-current lease liability   79       79  
    Deferred tax liabilities   46       31  
    Other non-current liabilities   109       85  
           
    Stockholders’ equity:      
    Common stock   1       1  
    Additional paid-in capital   1,369       1,356  
    Retained earnings   2,426       2,274  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (263 )     (254 )
    Treasury stock   (2,348 )     (2,339 )
    Total Visteon Corporation stockholders’ equity   1,185       1,038  
    Non-controlling interests   88       85  
    Total equity   1,273       1,123  
    Total liabilities and equity $ 2,893     $ 2,727  
    VISTEON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (In millions)
    (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   September 30,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    OPERATING              
    Net income (loss) $ 40     $ 71     $ 159     $ 132  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided from (used by) operating activities:              
    Depreciation and amortization   25       24       71       79  
    Non-cash stock-based compensation   10       9       31       26  
    Equity in net loss (income) of non-consolidated affiliates, net of dividends remitted   3       1       7       8  
    Tax valuation allowance benefit   (7 )     —       (7 )     —  
    Other non-cash items   3       1       10       (3 )
    Changes in assets and liabilities:              
    Accounts receivable   (6 )     (12 )     (55 )     (19 )
    Inventories   —       6       (23 )     23  
    Accounts payable   (5 )     35       3       (54 )
    Other assets and other liabilities   35       (8 )     28       (23 )
    Net cash provided from (used by) operating activities   98       127       224       169  
    INVESTING              
    Capital expenditures, including intangibles   (28 )     (31 )     (96 )     (82 )
    Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired   (48 )     —       (48 )     —  
    Contributions to equity method investments   (1 )     (1 )     (1 )     (1 )
    Loan provided to non-consolidated affiliate   —       —       (5 )     —  
    Other   1       1       2       3  
    Net cash used by investing activities   (76 )     (31 )     (148 )     (80 )
    FINANCING              
    Dividends to non-controlling interests   —       (12 )     —       (27 )
    Short-term debt, net   —       (3 )     —       —  
    Repurchase of common stock   —       (46 )     (20 )     (76 )
    Stock based compensation tax withholding payments   —       (1 )     (7 )     (16 )
    Proceeds from the exercise of stock options   —       4       —       8  
    Principal repayment of term debt facility   (4 )     (4 )     (13 )     (8 )
    Net cash used by financing activities   (4 )     (62 )     (40 )     (119 )
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   27       (8 )     (1 )     (8 )
    Net decrease in cash, equivalents, and restricted cash   45       26       35       (38 )
    Cash, equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of the period   508       459       518       523  
    Cash, equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period $ 553     $ 485     $ 553     $ 485  

    VISTEON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    (In millions except per share amounts)
    (Unaudited)

    Adjusted EBITDA: Adjusted EBITDA is presented as a supplemental measure of the Company’s performance that management believes is useful to investors because the excluded items may vary significantly in timing or amounts and/or may obscure trends useful in evaluating and comparing the Company’s operating activities across reporting periods. The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as net income attributable to the Company adjusted to eliminate the impact of depreciation and amortization, provision for (benefit from) income taxes, non-cash stock-based compensation expense, net interest expense, net income attributable to non-controlling interests, net restructuring expense, equity in net (income)/loss of non-consolidated affiliates, gain on non-consolidated affiliate transactions, and other gains and losses not reflective of the Company’s ongoing operations. Because not all companies use identical calculations, this presentation of adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended   Estimated
      September 30,   September 30,   Full Year
    Visteon:   2024       2023       2024       2023       2024  
    Net income attributable to Visteon Corporation $ 39     $ 66     $ 152     $ 120       202  
    Depreciation and amortization   25       24       71       79       96  
    Provision for income taxes   11       21       55       48       75  
    Non-cash, stock-based compensation expense   10       9       31       26       42  
    Restructuring, net   28       —       31       2       34  
    Interest expense, net   —       1       —       7       —  
    Net income attributable to non-controlling interests   1       5       7       12       10  
    Equity in net loss (income) of non-consolidated affiliates   3       1       7       8       9  
    Other   2       1       3       15       5  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 119     $ 128     $ 357     $ 317     $ 4732  
                       

    Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized term under U.S. GAAP and does not purport to be a substitute for net income as an indicator of operating performance or cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool and is not intended to be a measure of cash flow available for management’s discretionary use, as it does not consider certain cash requirements such as interest payments, tax payments and debt service requirements. In addition, the Company uses adjusted EBITDA (i) as a factor in incentive compensation decisions, (ii) to evaluate the effectiveness of the Company’s business strategies, and (iii) because the Company’s credit agreements use similar measures for compliance with certain covenants.

    VISTEON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    (In millions except per share amounts)
    (Unaudited)

    Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Free Cash Flow: Free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow are presented as supplemental measures of the Company’s liquidity that management believes are useful to investors in analyzing the Company’s ability to service and repay its debt. The Company defines free cash flow as cash flow provided from operating activities less capital expenditures, including intangibles. The Company defines adjusted free cash flow as cash flow provided from operating activities less capital expenditures, including intangibles as further adjusted for restructuring related payments. Because not all companies use identical calculations, this presentation of free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended   Estimated
      September 30,   September 30,   Full Year
    Visteon:   2024       2023       2024       2023       2024  
    Cash provided from (used by) operating activities $ 98     $ 127     $ 224     $ 169       305  
    Capital expenditures, including intangibles   (28 )     (31 )     (96 )     (82 )     (145 )
    Free cash flow $ 70     $ 96     $ 128     $ 87     $ 160  
    Restructuring related payments   3       2       7       6       15  
    Adjusted free cash flow $ 73     $ 98     $ 135     $ 93     $ 1753  
     

    Free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow are not recognized terms under U.S. GAAP and do not purport to be a substitute for cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow have limitations as analytical tools as they do not reflect cash used to service debt and do not reflect funds available for investment or other discretionary uses. In addition, the Company uses free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow (i) as factors in incentive compensation decisions and (ii) for planning and forecasting future periods.

    VISTEON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    (In millions except per share amounts)
    (Unaudited)

    Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Earnings Per Share: Adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share are presented as supplemental measures that management believes are useful to investors in analyzing the Company’s profitability, providing comparability between periods by excluding certain items that may not be indicative of recurring business operating results. The Company believes management and investors benefit from referring to these supplemental measures in assessing company performance and when planning, forecasting and analyzing future periods. The Company defines adjusted net income as net income attributable to Visteon adjusted to eliminate the impact of restructuring expense, loss on divestiture, gain on non-consolidated affiliate transactions, other gains and losses not reflective of the Company’s ongoing operations and related tax effects. The Company defines adjusted earnings per share as adjusted net income divided by diluted shares. Because not all companies use identical calculations, this presentation of adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   September 30,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net income attributable to Visteon $ 39     $ 66     $ 152     $ 120  
                   
    Diluted earnings per share:              
    Net income attributable to Visteon $ 39     $ 66     $ 152     $ 120  
    Average shares outstanding, diluted   27.9       28.5       27.9       28.6  
    Diluted earnings per share $ 1.40     $ 2.32     $ 5.45     $ 4.20  
                   
    Adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share:              
    Net income attributable to Visteon $ 39     $ 66     $ 152     $ 120  
    Restructuring, net   28       —       31       2  
    Other   2       1       3       15  
    Tax impacts of adjustments   (6 )     —       (7 )     —  
    Adjusted net income $ 63     $ 67     $ 179     $ 137  
    Average shares outstanding, diluted   27.9       28.5       27.9       28.6  
    Adjusted earnings per share $ 2.26     $ 2.35     $ 6.42     $ 4.79  
                   

    Adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share are not recognized terms under U.S. GAAP and do not purport to be a substitute for profitability. Adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share have limitations as analytical tools as they do not consider certain restructuring and transaction-related payments and/or expenses. In addition, the Company uses adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share for internal planning and forecasting purposes.

    1 Excludes Y/Y impact of currency fluctuations
    2 Based on mid-point of the range of the Company’s financial guidance
    3 Based on mid-point of the range of the Company’s financial guidance

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: WHO – Regional health leaders agree to improve financing to achieve universal health coverage, prioritize digital health

    Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

    MANILA, 24 October 2024 – Health leaders from nations across Asia and the Pacific today endorsed action frameworks on health financing and digital health at the seventy-fifth session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific.

    Health financing to achieve universal health coverage and sustainable development

    Despite recent reforms in health financing, public health spending in the Western Pacific Region remains inadequate to meet growing needs. In many countries, current policies have not yet achieved the goals of equitable service access and financial protection. As a result, families are being pushed into poverty from the financial burden of paying for health services. In 2019 alone, more than 300 million people in the Western Pacific faced catastrophic health costs. Medicines and outpatient care are the primary drivers of out-of-pocket spending, exposing critical coverage gaps in primary health care (PHC) systems.

    Increasing public health spending, prioritizing PHC and adopting comprehensive financing strategies to promote health in national development are essential to achieving universal health coverage(UHCUHC) and sustainable development.

    The Regional Committee, WHO’s governing body in the Western Pacific, today endorsed the Regional Action Framework for Health Financing to Achieve Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development in the Western Pacific. The Framework aims to improve health financing through five action domains: 1) greater reliance on public funding for health; 2) more equitable and efficient health spending; 3) financing PHC now and into the future; 4) strengthening governance for health financing; and 5) promoting health for all in economic and social policy.

    Accelerating digital health transformation

    The Regional Committee also considered digital health – the use of information and communications technology to manage health and promote well-being – which is playing an increasingly significant role in transforming health care by leveraging technology to increase access to care. Digital health is growing rapidly in the Western Pacific Region. However, these changes bring about new challenges related to governance, coordination with a wide range of actors, sustainable financing, and the ethical and secure use of digital health tools and data.

    The Regional Action Framework on Digital Health in the Western Pacificendorsed by the Region’s health leaders today will guide countries and areas in developing national digital health plans. It will also facilitate collaboration with WHO to advance national digital health strategies aligned with country priorities. The Framework calls on countries to prioritize governance, socio-technical infrastructure, financing and economics, digital health solutions, and data in strengthening health systems in the era of digital transformation.

    Achieving transformative primary health care

    Although more than 45 years have passed since primary health care (PHC) was identified as the cornerstone for achieving Health for All in theDeclaration of Alma-Ata, many health systems in our Region remain hospital-centric, while PHC is understaffed and under resourced. With countries facing rapidly ageing populations, an increased burden of NCDs and health security risks, a worsening economic outlook and other changes, transformative PHC is more critical than ever.

    In a panel discussion held at the Regional Committee on Tuesday, delegates from Cambodia and Singapore and a representative of the Asian Development Bank discussed how a transformative PHC approach – which emphasizes keeping people healthy rather than only treating the sick, and the importance of active community engagement and effective communication – can improve health outcomes.

    Recognizing the need to support countries in achieving transformative PHC, the Regional Committee in 2022 endorsed the Regional Framework on the Future of Primary Health Care in the Western Pacific. It highlights five strategic areas for health system transformation, covering models of service delivery, individual and community empowerment, the health workforce, health financing and enabling healthy environments. WHO is supporting countries with implementation of the Regional Framework.

    Improving oral health

    On Wednesday, delegates from Malaysia, Tonga and Vanuatu participated in a panel discussion on oral health. In the Western Pacific Region, the rate of oral diseases such as tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss has grown by 30% over the past 30 years. One in five adults over the age of 60 has lost all their teeth, causing difficulty in eating, poor nutrition and a lower quality of life.

    Oral diseases disproportionally affect poor and disadvantaged populations. But they are mostly preventable and can be treated in their early stages. Left unaddressed, they cause pain and reduce the quality of life of individuals affected. At the population level, they add to the burden of noncommunicable diseases and impact health systems and economies in the Region.

    The WHO Global Strategy and Action Plan on Oral Health (2023–2030)was developed in response to a 2021 World Health Assembly resolution calling for a shift in oral health policy planning from traditional restorative dental care to a focus on promoting oral health and preventing oral diseases. WHO is working to accelerate the implementation of the Global Strategy in the Western Pacific, making oral health an integral part of universal health coverage and improving access to essential oral health services for everyone, especially the vulnerable.

    Accreditation of non-State actors to attend Regional Committee meetings

    The Regional Committee for the Western Pacific also adopted a decision to formalize the procedure for non-State actors that are not already in official relations with WHO to be accredited as observers at their meetings. The decision highlights the valuable role that non-State actors play in society, recognizes their contributions to advancing public health and to supporting the achievement of WHO’s strategic objectives. It marks an important step towards strengthening regional health governance, and a more inclusive approach to knowledge sharing, dialogue and health policy making.

    Expected closure of the session, time and place of next year’s meeting

    The seventy-fifth session of the Regional Committee for the Western Pacific is expected to conclude tomorrow.

    Notes:

    The seventy-fifth session of the Western Pacific Regional Committee began on 21 October and is scheduled to conclude on 25 October at WHO’s Regional Office for the Western Pacific in Manila, Philippines. The agenda and timetable are available online. A livestream of proceedings, all other official documents, as well as fact sheets and videos on the issues to be addressed can be accessed here. For real-time updates, follow @WHOWPRO on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube and the hashtag #RCM75.

    Working with 194 Member States across six regions, WHO is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for public health. Each WHO region has a regional committee – a governing body composed of ministers of health and senior officials from Member States. Each regional committee meets annually to agree on health actions and to chart priorities for WHO’s work.

    The WHO Western Pacific Region is home to more than 1.9 billion people across 37 countries and areas: American Samoa (United States of America), Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia (France), Guam (United States of America), Hong Kong SAR (China), Japan, Kiribati, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Macao SAR (China), Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Mongolia, Nauru, New Caledonia (France), New Zealand, Niue, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (United States of America), Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Pitcairn Islands (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), the Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Viet Nam, Wallis and Futuna (France).

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AUKUS Partners Complete Successful Tests of Autonomous and Networked Systems in Maritime Experimentation

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    In a significant development for maritime security, the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom (AUKUS) have completed successful tests of several autonomous and networked systems during a three-week maritime experimentation called Autonomous Warrior 24 in Australia. The event was part of the Maritime Big Play (MBP) initiative and ongoing efforts to develop AUKUS Pillar II capabilities, a trilateral collaboration to improve maritime awareness through networked autonomy, decision advantage, and enhanced strike.

    The Maritime Big Play is a series of integrated trilateral experiments and exercises that are enhancing capability development, improving interoperability, and increasing the sophistication and scale of autonomous systems in the maritime domain. Australia led the Autonomous Warrior event, the signature MBP event in 2024. Other events associated with Maritime Big Play included the Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping Augmented by Maritime Unmanned Systems (REPMUS); and Technology Readiness Experimentation (T-REX).

    Through these experiments and exercises, AUKUS partners are further testing and refining the ability to jointly operate uncrewed maritime systems, share and process maritime data from all three nations, and provide real-time maritime domain awareness to support decision-making.

    “Autonomous Warrior/Maritime Big Play creates a unique opportunity for our three countries to work together, which will ultimately improve operational efficiency and allow us to work more cohesively against common threats,” said Heidi Shyu, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. “This collaborative approach enables us to reduce acquisition, maintenance, and training cost by creating economies of scale.”

    The technologies tested during the October event support operations from deep under water to the edge of space. This included software-defined acoustic modems, multi-model autonomous underwater and surface vessels, and low-cost attritable unmanned surface vehicles. The tests also featured a low-cost gondola, which supports operations in the upper stratosphere with minimum manpower or logistics requirements, and T-200 high-altitude balloons, which provide resilient communications in denied environments from the stratosphere.

    A versatile and robust software-defined network architecture called Multi-Domain Uncrewed Secure Integrated Communications (MUSIC) was tested for its ability to enable seamless communication and coordination across diverse unmanned systems and operational environments. The Common Control System (CCS) was also featured in the exercise, built on an open architecture to provide uncrewed vehicles hardware and software that works across several different systems. This effort supports future work to create an AUKUS-wide Common Control System, fusing best elements of the three countries’ existing systems.

    “AUKUS partners have long histories of working together on defense and security issues, and have deep, enduring partnerships based on shared values, said Shyu. “By investing in novel and innovative capabilities directly aligned to AUKUS mission priorities, as well as making future advancements in emerging technologies like AI and Quantum, we support a more stable region — one where all nations are empowered to make their own sovereign decisions free from coercion — a world that centers on hope for the opportunity and prosperity of the future.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. shale natural gas production has declined so far in 2024

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-depth analysis

    October 24, 2024

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short-Term Energy Outlook
    Note: The formations included in our U.S. shale natural gas production estimates are determined by identified tight and shale formations. Year-to-date 2024=January–September.

    U.S. natural gas production from shale and tight formations, which accounts for 79% of dry natural gas production, decreased slightly in the first nine months of 2024 compared with the same period in 2023. If this trend holds for the remainder of 2024, it would mark the first annual decrease in U.S. shale gas production since we started collecting these data in 2000.

    Total U.S. shale gas production from January through September 2024 declined by about 1%, to 81.2 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d), compared with the same period in 2023, while other U.S. dry natural gas production increased by about 6% to 22.1 Bcf/d. Total U.S. dry natural gas production from January through September 2024 averaged 103.3 Bcf/d, essentially flat compared with the same period in 2023.

    The decline in shale gas production so far this year has been driven primarily by declines in production in the Haynesville and Utica plays. From January through September 2024, shale gas production decreased by 12% (1.8 Bcf/d) in the Haynesville and by 10% (0.6 Bcf/d) in the Utica compared with the same period in 2023. At the same time, shale gas production in the Permian play grew by 10% (1.6 Bcf/d). Production in the Marcellus play, which leads U.S. shale gas production, remained flat.

    The Haynesville play in northeastern Texas and northwestern Louisiana is a dry natural gas formation. The Utica and Marcellus plays in the Appalachian Basin produce lease condensate in addition to dry natural gas. In all three plays, natural gas prices mostly drive drilling and developing wells. The U.S. benchmark Henry Hub daily natural gas price has generally declined since August 2022 and reached record lows in the first half of 2024, making drilling natural gas wells less profitable, particularly in the Haynesville. Several operators in the Haynesville and the Appalachian Basin shut in natural gas production in reaction to historically low prices and intend to continue curtailments in the second half of 2024.

    In contrast, natural gas produced in the Permian play in western Texas and southeastern New Mexico is primarily associated gas from oil wells where drilling and development is driven by the oil price. Natural gas production in the Permian has increased this year along with increasing oil production.

    Shale natural gas production in the Utica was 5.6 Bcf/d in September, 33% less than the monthly high of 8.3 Bcf/d in December 2019 and 10% less than the average of 6.2 Bcf/d in 2023. At depths of 5,000 feet to 11,000 feet, wells in the Utica, which lies beneath the Marcellus, are slightly more expensive to drill than Marcellus wells because of their depth.

    Drilling costs of Haynesville wells, at depths of 10,500 feet to 13,500 feet, are even higher. Shale natural gas production in the Haynesville was 13.0 Bcf/d in September 2024, 14% less than the peak in May 2023. The Haynesville is the third-largest shale gas-producing play in the United States, behind the Marcellus and the Permian plays. In 2023, shale natural gas production in the Haynesville averaged 14.6 Bcf/d, accounting for 14% of total U.S. dry natural gas production.

    Data source: Refinitiv Eikon and Baker Hughes Company
    Note: Prices are adjusted for inflation based on the September 2024 Consumer Price Index.

    The U.S. benchmark Henry Hub natural gas price fell 79% from the August 2022 inflation-adjusted high of $9.39 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) to an average of $1.99/MMBtu in August 2024. So far this year, the price has averaged $2.10/MMBtu compared with an inflation-adjusted average of $6.89/MMBtu in 2022 and $2.62/MMBtu in 2023. As natural gas prices declined, the economics of producing natural gas in the dry gas formations worsened, leading producers to shut in production and drop drilling rigs.

    Producers tend to increase or decrease the number of drilling rigs in operation as natural gas prices fluctuate. The number of natural gas-directed drilling rigs in the Haynesville, Utica, and Marcellus plays has decreased steadily since the end of 2022, according to data from Baker Hughes. In the Haynesville, an average of 33 rigs were in operation in September 2024, 53% fewer than in January 2023. The number of rigs operating in the Haynesville in September was the lowest it has been since July 2020.

    In the Utica, an average of seven rigs were operating in September 2024, fewer than half the number that were operating in January 2023, and in the Marcellus, an average of 25 rigs were in operation, about 36% fewer than in January 2023. Although the productivity of newer wells has improved in recent years, the decline in rig counts has contributed to an overall decrease in production.

    In our latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, we forecast total U.S. dry natural gas production to average 103.5 Bcf/d in 2024, down slightly from 103.8 Bcf/d in 2023, and to resume modest growth in 2025 at 104.6 Bcf/d.

    Principal contributors: Katy Fleury, Corrina Ricker, Kenya Schott

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Spartanburg County

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Spartanburg County

    Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Spartanburg County

    A Disaster Recovery Center will open in Spartanburg County to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene.  Spartanburg CountySpartanburg Emergency Management175 Community College DriveSpartanburg, SC 29303Open Oct. 24-Nov. 6, 8 a.m.- 7 p.m.  Additional Disaster Recovery Centers are scheduled to open in other South Carolina counties. Click here to find centers that are already open in South Carolina. You can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the state of South Carolina and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed. To find all other center locations, including those in other states, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation can apply for federal assistance.The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. 
    kwei.nwaogu
    Thu, 10/24/2024 – 11:58

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Firsts: First Visit from a US President

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Gerald Ford had been out of the White House for nearly 10 years when he spoke to a packed Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts on Sept. 23, 1986, but that occasion was nonetheless the first visit to UConn by someone who had served as President of the United States. Ford, a Michigan congressman who became vice president after the resignation of Spiro Agnew in 1973, would become the country’s 38th president the following year, after Richard Nixon’s resignation. At UConn, Ford addressed issues of the day – the Soviet Union, the apartheid regime in South Africa, the federal budget – and joked about his “Saturday Night Live” portrayal as a clumsy oaf. “I knew I was a fairly decent athlete, and most of those critics were much less capable,” said Ford, a star linebacker on two national champion University of Michigan football teams in the 1930s. “I enjoy a good laugh.” Nine years later, Bill Clinton became the first sitting president to visit UConn, for the dedication of the Dodd Center for Human Rights.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Meet the Researcher: Derek Aguiar, CoE

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Looking at the research published by Derek Aguiar and his lab over the past few years – ranging from drug side effect prediction to modeling genetic variation to predicting the outcomes of motions submitted in legal trial proceedings – one might conclude he’s a jack of all trades. 

    Aguiar and Jonathan XIV. (Courtesy of Derek Aguiar)

    Actually, he’s a master of one: computer science (CS).

    Aguiar is an associate professor in the College of Engineering who believes there’s no limit to the potential applications of CS. He follows his own curiosity, which frequently lands him in interdisciplinary projects involving other schools and colleges at UConn or multi-institutional collaboratives. And he encourages his students to do the same. 

    “I’ve ‘adopted’ some students that specialized in other areas,” he jokes, by way of explaining the astonishing diversity of his lab’s research subject matter. 

    For his own part, Aguiar is chiefly interested in blending graph-theoretic algorithms with probabilistic machine learning approaches. These are the CS techniques he studied in his Ph.D. at Brown University and his postdoctoral scholarship at Princeton University. Combining them, he has developed new applications for genomics and genetic data to help understand complex disease. 

    Launching the Next Generation of Computer Scientists

    As a first-generation undergraduate at the University of Rhode Island, Aguiar didn’t yet realize that he wanted to pursue a career in research, or that such a thing was even possible. He graduated without lab experience (“This isn’t a good template for other people to follow,” he notes).  

    But then, while pursuing graduate studies at Brown, he realized how “beautifully” his life-long interest in CS could combine with biology. 

    “I really saw the mathematical, statistical, and algorithmic beauty in biology,” he says. “It has a long history – some very important and deep results [in biology] have come from statistics and computer science. That’s where I fell in love and became enamored with the blending of CS and biology.” 

    Now, Aguiar is dedicated to pursuing original research and mentoring students in CS. He doesn’t want any would-be computer scientists to miss the chance to conduct research in college, like he did – in fact, he’s helping them get a head start, by mentoring high schoolers from across the region. 

    Most of Aguiar’s high school mentees are from Glastonbury, where students are paired with researchers through the Advanced Research Mentorship program. A few enterprising students from other schools have also sought him out for mentorship as well. He recently worked virtually with a protege from Massachusetts who went on to enroll at UConn. 

    “They come to UConn for about two hours after their high school gets out, once a week,” Aguiar says, “and we work on CS and research projects together. Eventually, they present their research internally at their high schools, and some go on to present at the CT Science and Engineering Fair.” 

    Aguiar was also a co-organizer of the New England Computer Science Teachers Association New England conference, which was held at UConn Storrs for the first time last year. 

    From DNA to Honest Abe

    Most recently, Aguiar’s work has been supported by an NSF CAREER award; a four-year, nearly $200,000 award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH); and an award from the Horace Bushnell Memorial Hall Corporation, the foundation that operates the Bushnell Performing Arts Center in Hartford. 

    The first two awards support Aguiar’s work on genomics projects. The CAREER award will allow him to continue his work in modeling haplotypes: sets of DNA variants co-inherited along a single chromosome. Aguiar develops algorithms to help understand how these haplotypes are inherited and how they relate to complex diseases. 

    With the NIH funding, Aguiar is developing novel computational immunology programs to help determine the risk of cardiovascular disease among people with type 2 diabetes. One of the ultimate aims of this research is to enable further investigation into the casual relationship between type 2 diabetes and heart disease, a puzzle scientists have been trying to solve since the correlation was first identified. 

    With the Bushnell group, the research looks a bit different. Aguiar is working on a project that seeks to infuse a little theater and CS magic into middle school history lessons: he’s developing an AI version of Abraham Lincoln, using a large language model fed on Lincoln’s extensive body of written work and verbal addresses. 

    “The idea behind this project is to rethink how middle schoolers learn,” Aguiar says. 

    Instead of just reading or watching a documentary about Lincoln, this project will allow students to actually have a conversation with him, learning about his viewpoints and gaining a better understanding of his historical milieu. It seeks to fill a gap in middle-grade learning that Aguiar identifies as critical. 

    “Middle school students don’t really skip school – they’re always there – they’re just not very engaged,” he explains. “We’re trying to increase engagement by providing an experience in the social sciences where you don’t just read a book or listen to your teacher and then regurgitate facts. We’re trying to turn this into an experiential process where instruction is personalized for each student.” 

    What’s Next?

    Aguiar is currently collaborating with Rachel O’Neill, director of UConn’s Institute for Systems Genomics, on a project that will help identify irregular DNA formations that have been linked to increased mutation rates and cancer. 

    “DNA can actually fold into different structures, other than what’s known as B DNA – the canonical double helix structure,” he explains.  

    One of the major ways geneticists sequence DNA is through nanopore sequencing. In this process, an enzyme unzips DNA into single strands, which are then pushed through a microscopic sequencing device.  

    Aguiar and O’Neill discovered that these irregular DNA formations can impact the time it takes DNA to move through the process, since it takes longer for enzymes to disentangle these structures. 

    “We discovered that the genomic locations where these structures can form are associated with differential nanopore translocation times,” Aguiar says. “That hadn’t been done before.” 

    As he continues his career at UConn, Aguiar anticipates embarking on more exciting research across all domains.  He’ll also work to keep enacting his other central focus – supporting students, on whatever paths they choose to pursue. 

    “It’s super important that my students are well-rounded researchers, which includes being good communicators and educators,” he says. “But it’s not important for my students to follow in my footsteps – I want them all to do whatever makes them happy, and hopefully they are using what they learned in the process of earning their degrees!” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Joly to participate in ministerial conference on Lebanon in Paris, France

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    The conference will focus on three objectives: reaffirming the need for a diplomatic solution to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, mobilizing the international community to address the urgent needs for protection and emergency relief for the Lebanese people and exploring strategies to enhance support for Lebanon’s institutions, including the Lebanese Armed Forces, which play a crucial role in ensuring the country’s internal stability.

    October 24, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that she will participate at the International Conference in Support of Lebanon’s People and Sovereignty, taking place in Paris, France today.

    The conference will focus on three objectives: reaffirming the need for a diplomatic solution to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, mobilizing the international community to address the urgent needs for protection and emergency relief for the Lebanese people and exploring strategies to enhance support for Lebanon’s institutions, including the Lebanese Armed Forces, which play a crucial role in ensuring the country’s internal stability.

    Minister Joly will engage with her counterparts to create space for a diplomatic solution along the Blue Line and help shore up humanitarian assistance to support the needs of the Lebanese people.

    “I look forward to engaging with my counterparts and other senior officials in Paris as we work toward securing an immediate ceasefire. Canada continues to be steadfast in our commitment to peace and the de-escalation of tensions. Families in Southern Lebanon and Northern Israel must be able to safely return to their homes.”

    – Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: AGF Investments Announces October 2024 Cash Distributions for AGF Enhanced U.S. Equity Income Fund, AGF Total Return Bond Fund and AGF Systematic Global Infrastructure ETF

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AGF Investments Inc. (AGF Investments) today announced the October 2024 cash distributions for AGF Enhanced U.S. Equity Income Fund*, AGF Total Return Bond Fund* and AGF Systematic Global Infrastructure ETF, which pay monthly distributions. Unitholders of record on October 31, 2024 will receive cash distributions payable on November 6, 2024.

    Details regarding the final “per unit” distribution amounts are as follows:

    ETF Ticker Exchange Cash Distribution Per Unit ($)
    AGF Enhanced U.S. Equity Income Fund* AENU Cboe Canada Inc. $0.138874
    AGF Total Return Bond Fund* ATRB Cboe Canada Inc. $0.123000
    AGF Systematic Global Infrastructure ETF QIF Cboe Canada Inc. $0.138692

    *AGF Enhanced U.S. Equity Income Fund and AGF Total Return Bond Fund are mutual funds with an ETF series option.

    Further information about the AGF ETFs can be found at AGF.com.

    This information is not intended to provide legal, accounting, tax, investment, financial, or other advice, and should not be relied upon for providing such advice. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

    About AGF Management Limited

    Founded in 1957, AGF Management Limited (AGF) is an independent and globally diverse asset management firm. Our companies deliver excellence in investing in the public and private markets through three business lines: AGF Investments, AGF Capital Partners and AGF Private Wealth.

    AGF brings a disciplined approach, focused on incorporating sound, responsible and sustainable corporate practices. The firm’s collective investment expertise, driven by its fundamental, quantitative and private investing capabilities, extends globally to a wide range of clients, from financial advisors and their clients to high-net worth and institutional investors including pension plans, corporate plans, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and foundations.

    Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, AGF has investment operations and client servicing teams on the ground in North America and Europe. With nearly $51 billion in total assets under management and fee-earning assets, AGF serves more than 800,000 investors. AGF trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AGF.B.

    About AGF Investments

    AGF Investments is a group of wholly owned subsidiaries of AGF Management Limited, a Canadian reporting issuer. The subsidiaries included in AGF Investments are AGF Investments Inc. (AGFI), AGF Investments America Inc. (AGFA), AGF Investments LLC (AGFUS) and AGF International Advisors Company Limited (AGFIA). The term AGF Investments may refer to one or more of these subsidiaries or to all of them jointly. This term is used for convenience and does not precisely describe any of the separate companies, each of which manages its own affairs.

    AGF Investments entities only provide investment advisory services or offers investment funds in the jurisdiction where such firm and/or product is registered or authorized to provide such services.

    AGF Investments Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AGF Management Limited and conducts the management and advisory of mutual funds in Canada.

    Media Contact
    Amanda Marchment
    Director, Corporate Communications
    416-865-4160
    amanda.marchment@agf.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Orezone Provides Hard Rock Expansion Update for Its Bomboré Gold Mine

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE, OTCQX: ORZCF) (“Orezone”) is pleased to provide an update on the hard rock expansion at its Bomboré Gold Mine. The hard rock expansion is forecasted to increase annual gold production to over 170,000 ounces, an approximate 50% increase from current levels, with first gold planned in Q4-2025.

    Site works are well-advanced with the plant-site area cleared and all major earthworks complete. Laydown areas have been prepared and are ready to receive construction equipment, offices, and major plant deliveries. Camp upgrades for construction supervision and teams are also now operational.

    Engineering and Procurement

    Lycopodium Minerals Canada (“Lycopodium”) was awarded the engineering and procurement contract and is ahead of schedule on both activities. Lycopodium was selected due to their successful track record of designing and constructing numerous gold plants in West Africa, including the Company’s Phase I oxide plant that is currently in operation and exceeding nameplate design.

    In terms of procurement, the Company has placed over 50% of all packages including CIL tank platework and 95% of all process equipment. This includes the purchase of a 9MW 26’ diameter SAG mill. The SAG mill is a new, pre-owned mill that was never installed and carries a full warranty by the supplier. Substantial savings in costs and schedule are being realized from the purchase of this manufactured mill. The mill shells, heads and ring gear are now being packaged for shipment later this quarter which is well ahead of schedule.

    Site Construction Activities

    The concrete installation contract was recently awarded with mobilization of the batch plant and equipment scheduled for mid-November, three months ahead of schedule.

    The tank platework supply was awarded in September, and bids for the structural steel and general platework are under evaluation and will be awarded in November.

    The main Structural, Mechanical, and Piping installation contract is expected to be awarded in Q1-2025, which again will be ahead of schedule.

    Mining Fleet and Explosives Magazine

    The first shipment of the hard rock fleet by the mining contractor, which includes new trucks and excavators, has arrived in Burkina Faso and will be transported to site in late October. This early delivery will allow for systematic training of operators well ahead of the start of hard rock mining and will facilitate more cost-effective mining of the lower transition material in the near-term. The remaining hard rock fleet will be delivered to site over the coming six to eight months.

    The explosives magazine is in the final stages of completion. Once in service, the Company will be able to purchase and store bulk explosives for mixing and preparation at site, eliminating the need for the more costly pre-mix batch deliveries. A full-service team from AECI will be on site to mix and supply the downhole explosives for blasting of transition and hard rock material.

    Patrick Downey, President & CEO stated, “I am extremely pleased with the fast progress made to date on the hard rock expansion. The team has focused on critical areas to accelerate site activities and to meet or exceed key milestones. We look forward to sharing regular updates on this important expansion.”

    Figure 1: Hard Rock Plant Area

    About Orezone Gold Corporation

    Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE OTCQX: ORZCF) is a West African gold producer engaged in mining, developing, and exploring its flagship Bomboré Gold Mine in Burkina Faso. The Bomboré mine achieved commercial production on its oxide operations on December 1, 2022, and is now focused on its staged hard rock expansion that is expected to materially increase annual and life-of-mine gold production from the processing of hard rock mineral reserves. Orezone is led by an experienced team focused on social responsibility and sustainability with a proven track record in project construction and operations, financings, capital markets and M&A.

    The technical report entitled Bomboré Phase II Expansion, Definitive Feasibility Study is available on SEDAR+ and the Company’s website.

    Patrick Downey
    President and Chief Executive Officer

    Vanessa Pickering
    Manager, Investor Relations

    Tel: 1 778 945 8977 / Toll Free: 1 888 673 0663
    info@orezone.com / www.orezone.com

    For further information please contact Orezone at +1 (778) 945 8977 or visit the Company’s website at www.orezone.com.

    The Toronto Stock Exchange neither approves nor disapproves the information contained in this news release.

    QUALIFIED PERSONS

    Dale Tweed, P. Eng., VP Engineering and Rob Henderson, P. Eng. VP Technical Services of Orezone, are Qualified Persons under NI 43-101 and have reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains certain information that may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian Securities laws and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws (together, “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “potential”, “possible” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may”, “will”, “could”, or “should” occur. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the hard rock expansion including the increase in gold production.

    All such forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by management in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management and the qualified persons believe are appropriate in the circumstances.

    All forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, delays caused by pandemics, terrorist or other violent attacks (including cyber security attacks), the failure of parties to contracts to honour contractual commitments, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; unexpected failure or inadequacy of infrastructure, the possibility of unanticipated costs and expenses, accidents and equipment breakdowns, political risk, unanticipated changes in key management personnel and general economic, market or business conditions, the failure of exploration programs, including drilling programs, to deliver anticipated results and the failure of ongoing and uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, and other factors described in the Company’s most recent annual information form and management discussion and analysis filed on SEDAR+. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

    Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a33214c6-4db5-42c0-8910-83291abd3045

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Deb Haaland Gaggle Aboard Air Force One

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland Will Gaggle Aboard Air Force One En Route to Phoenix, Arizona

    Air Force One

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYtADHPRNqc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Leave No One Behind! | U.S. Army

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    About the U.S. Army:

    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Army

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lff-H-CrSYs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Parliamentary Appearance by the Governor and the Senior Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada

    Source: Bank of Canada


















  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Cuellar Participates in Panel Discussion on Colombia Bridge Expansion and International Trade

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

    LAREDO, TX – Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Ph.D. participated in a panel discussion hosted by the Laredo Chamber of Commerce in Laredo, TX, on the Colombia Bridge expansion project and international trade.  

    “I’m pleased to have worked with Senator Cruz to include language in the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to expedite the Presidential permit for the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge expansion project,” said Dr. Cuellar, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. “By expanding the bridge from 8 lanes to 16 lanes, this project will improve our supply chain, reduce congestion, and provide economic growth. I am thankful to the Laredo Chamber of Commerce for hosting this discussion on the Colombia Bridge expansion project and to Senator Cruz, Mayor Victor Trevino, City Manager Joseph Neeb, and Governor Samuel Garcia for being here today to discuss this important project.”  

    The panel discussion included panelists Rep. Cuellar, City of Laredo Mayor Victor Trevino, Senator Cruz, and Nuevo León Governor Samuel Garcia. The discussion covered the importance of the Colombia Bridge expansion project, trade between the United States and Mexico, and other developments impacting commerce in the district.  

    Presidential permits are required for construction projects at border crossings. Obtaining a permit currently requires an environmental review, which often takes years to complete. Dr. Cuellar’s language would direct the President to issue conditional permits for projects while environmental reviews required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) are ongoing. 

    Dr. Cuellar has long worked to streamline the Presidential permitting process for border bridges. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Dr. Cuellar secured language to reform the Presidential permit process for border bridges in the Fiscal Year 2024 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs House appropriations bill, which would expedite the Colombia-Solidarity expansion project in Laredo. 

    The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is an annual law specifying the budget and expenditures for the U.S. Department of Defense. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: BRICS countries enhance cooperation through close economic, trade exchanges

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, Oct. 24 — Economic and trade ties among BRICS countries are becoming increasingly close, and China is playing an important role in driving mutually beneficial BRICS cooperation.

    The term BRIC was initially coined in 2001 as a concept referring to the emerging market economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China. With South Africa’s inclusion in 2010, BRICS officially took shape.

    Following last year’s expansion, the BRICS grouping now represents approximately 30 percent of global GDP, nearly half of the world’s population, and one-fifth of global trade. It has become the world’s most important platform for solidarity and cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries.

    The 16th BRICS Summit, held Tuesday to Thursday in Kazan, Russia, has drawn global attention and is believed to bring new economic and trade cooperation opportunities between China and other BRICS nations.

    China’s foreign trade with other BRICS member countries reached 4.62 trillion yuan (648 billion U.S. dollars) in the first nine months of 2024, a year-on-year increase of 5.1 percent, customs data showed.

    The trade growth can be attributed to a high degree of economic complementarity, as well as China’s commitment to high-level opening up and the free trade agreements between China and other BRICS countries, said Hong Yong, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the Ministry of Commerce.

    In the industrial sector, China’s exports of steel and textile raw materials to other BRICS nations grew by 8.6 percent and 13.4 percent year on year in the first three quarters.

    During the same period, China’s exports of intermediate goods such as integrated circuits, tablet display modules and aircraft parts to other BRICS countries achieved double-digit growth, helping other BRICS members boost their emerging industries.

    Trade in agricultural products has also been robust. In the first three quarters, over 80 percent of poultry and frozen pollack and over 50 percent of crabs imported by China came from BRICS members.

    “For BRICS countries, trade cooperation is not only conducive to promoting technological exchanges and innovation but also to bringing more development opportunities for member countries and even the world,” Hong added.

    Regarding the financial sector, the New Development Bank is a flagship project of BRICS cooperation. As the first multilateral development bank established by emerging economies, the Shanghai-headquartered institution provides financing support for infrastructure development, clean energy, environmental protection, and the building of cyber infrastructure across BRICS countries.

    Funding a raft of projects ranging from India’s urban rail to Brazil’s wind power complexes, the bank has cumulatively approved loans of 35 billion U.S. dollars for more than 100 projects to date.

    Building on its commitment to multilateralism, BRICS has taken practical steps to unlock the potential of economic and trade cooperation and create new growth areas. These include policy coordination and joint initiatives to enhance trade and investment opportunities among member states.

    At the 14th BRICS Economic and Foreign Trade Ministers’ Meeting held in Moscow in July, participants agreed to step up exchanges and cooperation in emerging areas such as global value chains, digital technologies and special economic zones, conduct practical cooperation in green product standards, electronic documentation and e-commerce, and strengthen policy exchanges, capacity building and best practice sharing.

    By enhancing economic and trade exchanges, BRICS countries have capitalized on their complementary advantages, serving as an important force to oppose trade protectionism and promote global economic growth, noted Liu Ying, a researcher with the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: BRICS charts path at milestone summit, Xi offers five suggestions

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    KAZAN, Russia, Oct. 24 — Heels clicked and shoes shuffled across the media center floors at the BRICS Kazan summit on Wednesday, as journalists from around the world rushed to cover the landmark first in-person summit since the group’s expansion.

    Amid global uncertainties, BRICS embarked on a new chapter, cementing its growing influence on the world stage. Chinese President Xi Jinping, addressing the leaders in an expanded format, put forward five suggestions: building a BRICS committed to peace, innovation, green development, justice, and closer people-to-people exchanges.

    “We must build on this milestone summit to set off anew and forge ahead with one heart and one mind,” Xi said. “China is willing to work with all BRICS countries to open a new horizon in the high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation.”

    This year’s summit also marked another major progress with the decision to invite a number of nations as partner countries, further advancing the group’s development.

    The growing interest from countries seeking to join BRICS cooperation each year demonstrates that in today’s troubled world, BRICS is important and essential, said Bunn Nagara, director and senior fellow at Belt and Road Initiative Caucus for Asia-Pacific.

    “China, led by President Xi, has contributed significantly to BRICS’ success with a progressive and enlightened approach,” said Nagara.

    During Wednesday’s meetings, leaders exchanged views on BRICS cooperation and key international issues under the theme “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security,” focusing on global and regional security, sustainable development, climate change, and reforms in global economic governance.

    A major emphasis of the summit was the call for increased funding to support sustainable development in developing countries. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi said BRICS is set to “strengthen a multipolar international system,” particularly through “innovative and effective” financing for these countries.

    Russian President Vladimir Putin, who chaired the Kazan summit, said that “the trend for the BRICS’ leading role in the global economy will only strengthen.”

    He warned against the ongoing risks from geopolitical tensions and the rise of unilateral sanctions and protectionism, emphasizing “a key task is to promote the use of national currencies to finance trade and investment.”

    Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who participated in the summit via video link due to a head injury, echoed this sentiment. “It’s not about replacing our currencies, but we need to work so that the multipolar order we aim for is reflected in the international financial system,” said Lula.

    BRICS has already made strides with the New Development Bank (NDB), headquartered in Shanghai. The BRICS countries agreed on Wednesday to support the NDB in implementing its general strategy for 2022-2026 and in expanding local currency financing.

    In a declaration issued at the 16th BRICS Summit, they also agreed to jointly build the NDB into a new type of multilateral development bank for the 21st century, support its further expansion of membership, and expedite the review of membership applications from BRICS countries in accordance with its general strategy and related policies.

    The BRICS countries are also encouraged to strengthen financial cooperation and promote local currency settlement, according to the declaration.

    During the summit, leaders also emphasized the need for a fairer global order for the Global South. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said that BRICS is an inclusive formation capable of changing the trajectory of the Global South. “To do this we must realize the full potential of our economic partnership, to ensure sustainable development for all and not just for some,” he said.

    “The period of unilateralism is coming to an end,” added Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, calling for a more equitable global system.

    Several speakers also highlighted the need for differentiated responsibilities in addressing climate change, urging that developing nations’ emissions reduction efforts should align with their capacities.

    BRICS, initially known as “BRIC” when it was coined in 2001 by Jim O’Neill, former chief economist at Goldman Sachs, originally represented emerging market economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. South Africa joined in 2010, officially forming BRICS.

    In a recent interview with Xinhua, O’Neill acknowledged the need for policymakers to collaborate in creating an optimal system that benefits all. “I think as we pass through time, we will find a new equilibrium where countries will be more at ease with what other countries are doing,” he said.

    Other than the new full members joining on Jan. 1, 2024, over 30 countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Türkiye and Azerbaijan, have either formally applied for or expressed interest in BRICS membership. Many other developing countries are seeking deeper cooperation with the group.

    Observers view BRICS as a vital platform for developing countries to pursue growth. Ahmed Al-Ali, a political and strategic researcher at the Gulf Research Center in Dubai, noted that BRICS aims to foster a more equitable, effective, and rational international system.

    It will play a crucial role in promoting development and growth opportunities for Global South countries while ensuring the sustainability of economic and social progress, said Al-Ali.

    Echoing that view, Sithembiso Bhengu, a senior research fellow with the Sociology Department, University of Johannesburg, said, “The BRICS mechanism presents real possibilities for making the globe a fairer community of nations, with possibilities for mutual support and cooperation towards our respective goals in modernization and development.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Innovation and quality propel global confidence in Chinese products

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    GUANGZHOU, Oct. 24 — After walking more than 10,000 steps through the exhibition halls of the 136th Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, U.S. buyer Kristen Palacio sat comfortably in an armchair for a much-needed rest.

    The chair was so comfortable that she was reluctant to get up for another walk. Anji Longwin Furniture Co., Ltd showcased the armchairs. Yuan Fengyi, senior business manager at Longwin, noted that the American and European markets account for over 90 percent of the company’s sales.

    Having attended the Canton Fair for ten years, Yuan has met numerous buyers from around the world, forging close ties with major partners like e-commerce giant Amazon and retail leader Walmart.

    “We are committed to upgrading our factory for greater efficiency and strengthening quality control to better meet the demands of the U.S. and European markets,” Yuan said, adding that the company also focuses heavily on design, which helps their products stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

    As the second phase of the Canton Fair kicked off on Wednesday, international buyers flooded the exhibition hall in search of innovative ideas and products. Under the awnings and pergolas produced by Zhejiang Hooeasy Technology Co., Ltd., eager buyers inquired about prices and sizes for their new orders.

    Excited by his findings, Frans Davelaar, a buyer from Aruba in the southern Caribbean, stood in front of the booth for over 15 minutes. He noted that the products have great market potential, given the hot and humid climate of Caribbean countries like Aruba.

    “Awnings and pergolas originated in Europe, where they are used to provide shade from strong sunlight. As a Chinese company, we’ve enhanced these products with innovative ideas and superior quality,” said Li Tao, an export manager at Hooeasy.

    The latest products showcased by Hooeasy can be integrated with Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s HomeKit through their proprietary app, Tuya Smart, allowing users to control the opening and closing of the awnings and pergolas via smartphone.

    Li added that over the past two decades at the Canton Fair, Hooeasy’s booth has moved from the exhibition hall’s edge to a central location, reflecting the company’s growing influence and market share. The company has also established design teams in France and Germany to offer customized products tailored to the European market.

    In another exhibition hall at the Canton Fair, U.S. buyer Rob Mons carried a backpack filled with leaflets, brochures, and samples. He attended the fair to source innovative, well-priced seasonal festival products.

    “It’s my first time at the fair, and I’ve already found some suppliers for the upcoming seasons. These products are new and very interesting, probably the most unique items we’ve seen,” Mons said.

    Regarding business in the U.S., Mons believes Chinese products will continue to hold a significant market share despite the trade tensions between the two countries.

    “I hope business will run more smoothly, because we need these fine products to make kids happy and enjoy the festivals,” he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: GAO Makes 2024 PTAC Appointments

    Source: US Government Accountability Office

    WASHINGTON, DC (October 24, 2024) – Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), today announced the appointment of two new members to the Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC).

    “PTAC provides valuable information to the Department of Health and Human Services aimed at maximizing the value of the $1 trillion in annual Medicare spending,” Dodaro said. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of two new committee members with extensive knowledge and experience in value-based payment and care models.”

    PTAC was created by the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) to improve how the federal Medicare program pays physicians for the care they provide to Medicare beneficiaries. This independent advisory committee makes recommendations to the Secretary of HHS on physician payment models and related topics.

    The Comptroller General is responsible for appointing members to the committee.

    The newly appointed members are Henish Bhansali, MD, FACP and Krishna Ramachandran, MBA, MS. Their terms will expire in 2027. In addition, current members Lawrence R. Kosinski, MD, MBA and Soujanya R. Pulluru, MD have been reappointed. Their terms will also expire in 2027.

    Brief biographies of the new committee members follow:

    Henish Bhansali, MD, FACP, is Chief Medical Officer for Medical Home Network, a healthcare organization that partners with Federally Qualified Health Centers, Primary Care Associations, and Clinically Integrated Networks to build the capabilities to succeed in value-based care. He also serves on the National Association of ACOs (NAACOS) Board of Directors and as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President and Medical Director of Medicare Advantage at Duly Health and Care and as Vice President and Senior Medical Director of Care Navigation at Oak Street Health. Board certified in internal medicine and obesity medicine, Dr. Bhansali received his medical degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine graduating with Honors (AOA) and trained in Internal Medicine at Washington University/Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

    Krishna Ramachandran, MBA, MS, is Senior Vice President of Health Transformation and Provider Adoption at Blue Shield of California. In this position, he leads partnerships and innovations aimed at improving health care quality and affordability for members and providing tools and support for providers. Previously, he served as Divisional Senior Vice President of Health Care Delivery at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Chief Administrative Officer at Duly Health and Care, and as Director of Technical Services at Epic Systems Corporation. Mr. Ramachandran received his MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and his Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

    For more information about PTAC, contact Lisa Shats, PTAC Designated Federal Officer, at PTAC@hhs.gov. Other calls should be directed to Sarah Kaczmarek in GAO’s Office of Public Affairs at (202) 512-4800.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: NJBPU Announces Adoption of Minimum Filing Requirements for Medium-and-Heavy-Duty Electric Vehicles

    Source: US State of New Jersey

    TRENTON – The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) announced on Wednesday the adoption of minimum filing requirements (MFRs) that direct the state’s investor-owned electric distribution companies (EDCs) to propose programs to expand charging access for medium-and-heavy-duty (MHD) electric vehicles (EVs) and fleets. The expansion of New Jersey’s EV charging ecosystem will catalyze the ongoing clean transition of the state’s fleet, yielding significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions within the state’s transportation sector and improving localized air quality.

    New Jersey’s transportation sector accounts for nearly 40% of the state’s net GHG emissions, with MHD trucks and busses emitting an outsized share of those emissions. Low-income neighborhoods and communities of color are more likely to be exposed to these pollutants due to their disproportionate proximity to freight corridors, ports, and distribution centers. The adopted MFRs allow utilities to provide additional “bonus” incentives for overburdened municipalities and overburdened communities adjacent to Freight EV Corridors, as well as small businesses.

    “Today’s announcement by the BPU is a key part of my Administration’s whole-of-government approach to reducing harmful emissions from the transportation sector that negatively impact the health of our residents,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Along with New Jersey’s action on Advanced Clean Trucks and the Clean Corridors Coalition, we are building a robust charging infrastructure for a clean transportation future.”

    “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership and in coordination with New Jersey’s EDCs, the NJBPU remains at the forefront of advancing smart, clean transportation initiatives and infrastructure that provide considerable health and environmental benefits,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. “These benefits are especially vital to the overburdened communities that have borne the brunt of air pollution and its health effects for far too long.”

    The MFRs will allow EDCs to propose incentives for the “Make Ready” chargers for public-serving fleets and certain private fleets located in or serving overburdened municipalities and overburdened communities adjacent to Freight EV Corridors.

    To ensure that MHD EV charging is built in scalable ways that take capacity into account, the MFRs will connect applicants to utilities and require that utilities create and update capacity maps demonstrating where the grid is capable of supporting MHD charging. In addition, they provide the framework for proactive planning for public charging stations over 500 kW, fleets, and multi-unit dwellings. These planning and technical services will help ensure that these projects are connecting with utilities early and often, allowing for better grid planning and accelerating this critical piece of the 2019 Energy Master Plan.

    The MFRs also require that EDCs create managed charging programs to balance the demand on the grid and encourage users to charge at night.

    The adopted MFRs build upon the Murphy Administration’s ongoing efforts to promote clean transportation and expand EV charging infrastructure across the state. EDCs will be required to file their proposed programs with the Board within 120 days of the Order.

    In July, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the selection of the Clean Corridor Coalition, led by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, to receive a nearly $250 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant. The Clean Corridor Coalition – which includes the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Delaware Department of Transportation, and the Maryland Departments of the Environment and Transportation – aims to deploy EV charging infrastructure for commercial zero-emission MHD vehicles along the Interstate-95 freight corridor.

    On Wednesday, the U.S. EPA and NJDEP announced the arrival of this historic funding at the Vince Lombardi Service Area in Ridgefield, New Jersey.

    About New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program (NJCEP)
    NJCEP, established on January 22, 2003, in accordance with the Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act (EDECA), provides financial and other incentives to the State’s residential customers, businesses and schools that install high-efficiency or renewable energy technologies, thereby reducing energy usage, lowering customers’ energy bills and reducing environmental impacts. The program is authorized and overseen by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), and its website is www.NJCleanEnergy.com.

    About the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) 
    NJBPU is a state agency and regulatory authority mandated to ensure safe, adequate and proper utility services at reasonable rates for New Jersey customers. Critical services regulated by NJBPU include natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications and cable television. The Board has general oversight and responsibility for monitoring utility service, responding to consumer complaints, and investigating utility accidents. To find out more about NJBPU, visit our website at www.nj.gov/bpu.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Helping Students Enroll at Public Colleges and Universities

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the SUNY Top 10% Promise Program, creating a direct pathway for the highest-achieving New York high school seniors to gain admission and enroll at select SUNY colleges and universities. Governor Hochul first announced this plan as a part of her 2024 State of the State to help more New York students benefit from SUNY’s unparalleled combination of accessibility, affordability, and academic excellence.

    “Access to higher education has the potential to transform New Yorkers’ lives and change the trajectory of a student’s life,” Governor Hochul said. “Offering New York students graduating in the top 10 percent of their class direct admission to SUNY campuses will help reduce barriers to higher education while ensuring our students can continue their education and pursue their dreams right here in New York State.”

    The Top 10% Promise is a direct-admissions program that automatically grants acceptance to graduating high school students whose GPAs are in the top 10 percent of their class and meet specific academic readiness criteria to at least one selective, world-class SUNY campus. The program will take effect for select high school seniors preparing to enroll for the Fall 2025 semester.

    The nine initial participating campuses are: University at Albany, University at Buffalo, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, SUNY Geneseo, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Purchase College, and Stony Brook University.

    Students in all New York State school districts will be eligible to participate when the SUNY Top 10% Promise is fully in place. In the first year, 68 school districts (and individual charter schools) from across the state were invited to participate based on serving rural, urban, and suburban communities with high levels of adversity or enrolling a significant share of students from low-income backgrounds. The initial participating high schools are representative of the diversity of New York State.

    This builds on Governor Hochul’s continued efforts to expand access to higher education and make college more affordable. Earlier this month, Governor Hochul announced that following the increase in income thresholds secured in the FY25 Enacted Budget, more than 40,000 newly eligible New York State students have already submitted Tuition Assistance Program applications for the 2024-25 academic year. Additionally, the Governor announced last week that SUNY, CUNY and over 50 private colleges and universities throughout New York State have come together to offer free application opportunities for high school seniors starting this week.

    There is substantial evidence that high-achieving, low-income students apply to, and end up attending, less selective postsecondary institutions at higher rates than their higher income peers. Several states, including Texas and California, also offer direct admissions to the highest-achieving students, and have found this policy advances equity in their university systems. In California, for example, where students must also complete a college-ready curriculum to be eligible for the UC system, the admissions guarantee increased enrollment in selective universities for underrepresented students, increased graduation rates, and increased post-graduation earnings. 

    SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “There is a place at SUNY for every New Yorker, and The SUNY Top 10% Promise will make it even easier for our highest-achieving high school students – particularly those from low-income backgrounds – to discover SUNY’s extraordinary value and academic excellence. With thanks to Governor Hochul for her leadership, this new direct admission program will advance educational equity and open the doors to higher education even wider.”

    State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said, “Students who graduate in the top 10% of their high school class have demonstrated the ability to attend college. These are the future leaders of New York, and by offering direct admission we can help ensure they get the quality education they need to reach their full potential. This program will provide more opportunities for deserving students by providing a seamless entry to SUNY.”

    Assemblymember Patricia Fahy said, “The SUNY Top 10% program will provide top-performing students at select school districts direct admission top SUNY institutions they might not otherwise apply to. This is part of our ongoing commitment to revitalizing higher education and expanding access for more high school students. Coupled with our investments in Turning on the TAP in this year’s state budget, we’re paving the way for more students to finally achieve their dream of securing a higher education.”

    The Institute for College Access & Success Senior Director of New York Policy and Advocacy at Kirsten Keefe, J.D. said, “TICAS applauds Governor Hochul and Chancellor King for their leadership, helping to ensure that students across New York understand that college is a viable option for them. Alongside existing efforts to address financial need and offer students the supports they need to graduate, today’s announcement demonstrates how SUNY is helping to advance racial equity and economic mobility in the Empire State.”

    President of Complete College America Yolanda Watson Spiva said, “Among the first steps to earning a degree or credential of value is ensuring that every student has a clear path to and through higher education. The State of New York and SUNY, a committed and active member of the Complete College America Alliance since joining just under a year ago, have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to increasing the number of New Yorkers completing college, regardless of economic status. The Top 10% Promise Program is an important part of the larger fabric of efforts the system is making to create viable postsecondary pathways for every learner in the state.”

    Northeast Regional Director at Young Invincibles Sean Miller said, “The SUNY Top 10% Promise Program provides a vital opportunity for promising students, especially those from low-income backgrounds, to enroll and thrive at SUNY campuses. Using cumulative GPA, the most accurate measure of college preparedness, and automatically accepting students removes major financial and administrative barriers to being accepted at these superb state schools. Young Invincibles NY and our student network applaud SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. and Governor Hochul for launching this initiative—a significant milestone in expanding higher education access, equity, and economic mobility in New York.”

    About The State University of New York

    The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state’s only college of optometry, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.4 million students amongst its entire portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.1 billion in fiscal year 2023, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit their website here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Jackery Introduces Solar Generator 5000 Plus – “Most Trusted Whole-Home Backup Power”

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FREMONT, Calif., Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jackery, a global leader of innovative solar generators and green off-grid energy solutions, has launched its newest and most advanced product yet – the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus. Powerful, portable and compact, the 5000 Plus is the lightest generator in its class and ensures people will stay connected, powered and secure, even in the most difficult and unexpected circumstances.

    “Safety, sustainability and convenience are at the forefront of every solar generator we produce, and the 5000 Plus delivers at every turn,” said Jack Sun, CEO of Jackery. “Whether you need to power your entire home during an outage or emergency, need additional power while embracing outdoor living or reliable everyday power, the 5000 Plus provides the performance, safety and convenience that people need.”        

    With LFP battery cells, the 5000 Plus offers 4,000 life cycles, ensuring long-term reliability. It operates quietly and requires no maintenance, making it a better option for indoor use compared to traditional gas generators, especially during extreme weather conditions. The UPS feature allows for instantaneous switching to backup power during an outage, ensuring sensitive equipment like computers and other essential devices keep running without interruption and with zero downtime.

    When paired with Jackery’s Smart Transfer Switch (STS), a single 5000 Plus delivers up to 7200W of power. And, when connected to a second unit, users can get up to 14400W, making it more than sufficient to power a home in the most unpredictable situation. When equipped with all modular extensions and add-ons available, the full 5000 Plus ecosystem capability reaches an impressive 60kWh – enough power to sustain the average American household necessities for up to several days (based on an average daily usage of 30kWh/day).

    The modular design of the 5000 Plus ensures users can extend power capacity to fit their individual needs. This flexibility also offers users complete control over the power usage, capacity, spending, and savings, making it a truly personalized backup power solution. The Jackery 5000 Plus not only meets 120V load demands, but can also power 240V appliances, such as dryers, water pumps, ovens, and high-power electric tools. It is also capable of recharging RVs and electric vehicles.

    The 5000 Plus is also equipped with dual-voltage solar charging, meaning that the system can recharge through a high voltage rooftop solar system and with Jackery’s portable solar panels. The 5000 Plus is compatible with most solar panels that use an MC4 connector, supporting up to 4000W of charging power for fast and efficient recharging. Compatible with up to six Jackery SolarSaga 200W portable solar panels or two new Jackery SolarSaga 500W portable solar panels, it is an eco-friendly, cost-saving solution for long-term use.

    For added convenience, users can utilize smart app control to activate UPS mode, schedule charging, and more. This convenient app control also provides quick access to the 5000 Plus’s status with easy-to-set charge/discharge parameters and modes.

    Further, the 5000 Plus is built to last, with fireproof, shockproof and IPX4 water-resistant certifications. Combined with Jackery’s 5+2 year warranty, the 5000 Plus is an investment in safety, sustainability, and convenience, ensuring long-term peace of mind.

    Jackery is dedicated to developing reliable technology and offers the industry’s exclusive ChargeShield 2.0 and Class B standard, providing up to 62 layers of protection for charging, discharging, and battery management systems (BMS). The Company’s AI-driven variable speed charging technology ensures dependable power usage every time.

    Whether for emergencies, off-grid living, or reliable everyday power, the 5000 Plus delivers the performance, safety, and ease that people need and have come to rely on from Jackery’s solar generators.

    Finally, while designed with whole-home backup in mind, the 5000 Plus is also perfect for off-grid living and grid arbitrage, offering features like peak shaving and valley lifting to balance energy consumption, reduce energy bills, and alleviate pressure on the grid. Whether you need power for an off-grid cabin, RV, job site, or even film production, the 5000 Plus is the perfect green-energy solution.

    For more information on Jackery, the 5000 Plus and other products, please visit www.jackery.com. Be sure to follow Jackery on social media at @JackeryUSA for the latest updates in real time.

    ABOUT JACKERY
    Founded in California in 2012, Jackery is the world’s leading provider of innovative solar generators and off-grid green energy solutions. As a global top-selling solar generator brand, Jackery is driven by its mission to “Bring Green Energy to All.” By integrating with Geneverse in 2024, Jackery has expanded its product offerings and is able to deliver a comprehensive range of energy solutions, from portable solar generators for outdoor use to whole-home backup systems, furthering its commitment to making green energy accessible for all. Jackery has consistently fulfilled its social responsibility on a global scale, maintaining long-term partnerships with global public welfare organizations such as WWF, NFF, and IRC. Through these collaborations, Jackery continues to contribute to global sustainable development and other public welfare initiatives, reinforcing its dedication to creating a greener, more sustainable future.

    MEDIA CONTACTS
    ICR
    jackery@icrinc.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/910a7380-9682-4ba7-acd6-8c69fba4e929

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: LNG Energy Group Announces Release of Its Sustainability Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LNG Energy Group Corp. (TSXV: LNGE) (TSXV: LNGE.WT) (OTCQB: LNGNF) (FRA: E26) (the “Company” or “LNG Energy Group”) today released its 2023 Sustainability Report (the “Sustainability Report”).

    “I am pleased to report that LNG Energy Group has released its Sustainability Report and has taken a leading role in ESG and sustainability initiatives in Colombia,” comments Pablo Navarro, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. “Our Sustainability Report highlights all of our important activities in Colombia and our approach to minimizing our environmental impact while improving the living standards of our local communities.”

    The Sustainability Report presents the Company’s sustainability initiatives in 2023 and into 2024. The Sustainability Report can be accessed on the Company’s website at: https://www.lngenergygroup.com/sustainability.

    Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    About LNG Energy Group

    The Company is focused on the acquisition and development of oil and gas exploration and production assets in Latin America.

    For more information, please see below:

    Website:
    www.lngenergygroup.com

    Investor Relations:
    James Morris, Vice-President, Business Development and Investor Relations
    Email: investor.relations@lngenergygroup.com
    Telephone: 205-835-0676

    Find us on social media:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lng-energy-group-inc/  
    Instagram: @lngenergygroup
    X: @LNGEnergyCorp

    CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often using phrases such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “believes” or “intends”, or variations of such words and phrases, or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “should”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved, are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive any necessary board, shareholder or regulatory approvals, factors may occur which impede or prevent LNG Energy Group’s future business plans; and other factors beyond the control of LNG Energy Group. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, LNG Energy Group assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, whether they change as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MINT Income Fund Distributions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MINT Income Fund (TSX: MID.UN) (the “Fund”) is pleased to announce that distributions for the fourth quarter of 2024 will be payable to unitholders of MINT Income Fund as follows:

    Record Date Payable Date Distribution Per Trust Unit
    October 31, 2024 November 15, 2024 $0.04
    November 30, 2024 December13, 2024 $0.04
    December 31, 2024 January 15, 2025 $0.04


    The trust units trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol MID.UN.

    The Fund offers a distribution reinvestment plan (“DRIP”) for unitholders which provides unitholders with the ability to automatically reinvest distributions, commission free, and realize the benefits of compound growth. Unitholders can enroll in the DRIP program by contacting their investment advisor.

    Middlefield

    Founded in 1979, Middlefield is a specialist equity income asset manager with offices in Toronto, Canada and London, England. Our investment team utilizes active management to select high-quality, global companies across a variety of sectors and themes. Our product offerings include proven dividend-focused strategies that span real estate, healthcare, innovation, infrastructure, energy, diversified income and more. We offer these solutions in a variety of product types including ETFs, Mutual Funds, Closed-End Funds, Split-Share Funds and Flow-through LPs.

    For further information, please visit our website at www.middlefield.com or contact Nancy Tham in our Sales and Marketing Department at 1.888.890.1868.

    This press release contains forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on historical information concerning the distributions and dividends paid on the securities of issuers historically included in the portfolio of the Fund. Actual future results, including the amount of distributions paid by the Fund, may differ from the monthly distribution amount. Specifically, the income from which distributions are paid may vary significantly due to: changes in portfolio composition; changes in distributions and dividends paid by issuers of securities included in the Fund’s portfolio from time to time; there being no assurance that those issuers will pay distributions or dividends on their securities; the declaration of distributions and dividends by issuers of securities included in the portfolio will generally depend upon various factors, including the financial condition of each issuer and general economic and stock market conditions; the level of borrowing by the Fund; and the uncertainty of realizing capital gains. The risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results are described in the Fund’s prospectus and other documents filed by the Fund with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The forward-looking information contained in this press release constitutes the Fund’s current estimate, as of the date of this press release, with respect to the matters covered hereby. Investors and others should not assume that any forward-looking statement contained in this press release represents the Fund’s estimate as of any date other than the date of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Want to build healthier cities? Make room for bird and tree diversity

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Buxton, Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, Carleton University

    More than five million Canadians — approximately one in eight of us — are living with a mood, anxiety or substance use disorder. The prevalence of mental disorders is on the rise, with a third of those with a disorder reporting unmet or partially met needs for mental health-care services.

    The stresses of the city, where more than 70 per cent of Canadians now live, can increase the risk of poor mental health even further.

    When most people think about caring for their mental health, they may think about getting more exercise, getting more sleep and making sure they’re eating healthy. Increasingly, research is showing that spending time in nature surrounded by plants and wildlife can also contribute to preventing and treating mental illness.

    Our research focuses on the importance of birds and trees in urban neighbourhoods in promoting mental well-being. In our study, we combined more than a decade of health and ecological data across 36 Canadian cities and found a positive association between greater bird and tree diversity and self-rated mental health.

    The well-being benefits of healthy ecosystems will probably not come as a great surprise to urban dwellers who relish days out in the park or hiking in a nearby nature reserve. Still, the findings of our study speak to the potential of a nature-based urbanism that promotes the health of its citizens.



    Read more:
    How the health of honeybee hives can inform environmental policies in Canadian cities

    Birds, trees and human connection

    Across cultures and societies, people have strong connections with birds. The beauty of their bright song and colour have inspired art, music and poetry. Their contemporary cultural relevance has even earned them an affectionate, absurdist internet nickname: “birbs”.

    There’s something magical about catching a glimpse of a bird and hearing birdsong. For many urbanites, birds are our daily connection to wildlife and a gateway to nature. In fact, even if we don’t realize it, humans and birds are intertwined. Birds provide us with many essential services — controlling insects, dispersing seeds and pollinating our crops.

    People have similarly intimate connections with trees. The terms tree of life, family trees, even tree-hugger all demonstrate the central cultural importance trees have in many communities around the world. In cities, trees are a staple of efforts to bring beauty and tranquility.

    When the Australian city of Melbourne gave urban trees email addresses for people to report problems, residents responded by writing thousands of love letters to their favourite trees. Forest bathing, a practice of being calm and quiet among trees, is a growing wellness trend.

    Birds and trees as promoters of urban wellness

    Contact with nature and greenspace have a suite of mental health benefits.

    Natural spaces reduce stress and offer places for recreation and relaxation for urban dwellers, but natural diversity is key. A growing amount of research shows that the extent of these benefits may be related to the diversity of different natural features.

    For example, in the United States, higher bird diversity is associated with lower hospitalizations for mood and anxiety disorders and longer life expectancy. In a European study, researchers found that bird diversity was as important for life satisfaction as income.

    People’s connection to a greater diversity of birds and trees could be because we evolved to recognize that the presence of more species indicates a safer environment — one with more things to eat and more shelter. Biodiverse environments are also less work for the brain to interpret, allowing restoration of cognitive resources.

    To explore the relationship between biodiversity and mental health in urban Canada, we brought together unique datasets. First, we collected bird data sourced from community scientists, where people logged their bird sightings on an app. We then compared this data with tree diversity data from national forest inventories.

    Finally, we compared both of these data sets to a long-standing health survey that has interviewed approximately 65,000 Canadians each year for over two decades.

    We found that living in a neighbourhood with higher than average bird diversity increased reporting of good mental health by about seven per cent. While living in a neighbourhood with higher than average tree diversity increased good mental health by about five per cent.

    Importance of urban birds and trees

    The results of our study, and those of others, show a connection between urban bird and tree diversity, healthy ecosystems and people’s mental well-being. This underscores the importance of urban biodiversity conservation as part of healthy living promotion.

    Protecting wild areas in parks, planting pollinator gardens and reducing pesticide use could all be key strategies to protect urban wildlife and promote people’s well-being. Urban planners should take note.



    Read more:
    Eco-anxiety: climate change affects our mental health – here’s how to cope

    We’re at a critical juncture: just as we are beginning to understand the well-being benefits of birds and trees, we’re losing species at a faster rate than ever before. It’s estimated that there are three billion fewer birds in North America compared to the 1970s and invasive pests will kill 1.4 million street trees over the next 30 years.

    By promoting urban biodiversity, we can ensure a sustainable and healthy future for all species, including ourselves.

    Rachel Buxton receives funding from Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, National Institutes of Health, and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

    Emma J. Hudgins received funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Fonds de Recherche du Québec – Nature et Technologies for this work. She currently receives funding from Plant Health Australia.

    Stephanie Prince Ware has received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

    – ref. Want to build healthier cities? Make room for bird and tree diversity – https://theconversation.com/want-to-build-healthier-cities-make-room-for-bird-and-tree-diversity-235379

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –